#22 Dry Macular Degeneration Trials
We have been talking about clinical trials for wet macular degeneration. Now I would like to share a few trials I found for dry macular degeneration. I have included web sites and a bit of info for the trials. Dry AMD is not an easy disease to study, partly because of the slow progression of the disease. A lot of the drugs being studied may be having an effect, but it can be too early to determine how much.
It is encouraging to see the amount of research happening with macular degeneration.
One day – we hope soon – one of these trials will be able to say, “We have the answer.”
· Lampalizumab is a drug that is injected into the eye. There are 144 study locations for this drug.
· Macuclear eyedrops – In this trial, individuals with mild to moderate dry AMD will be randomly assigned to receive either the topical drug or a placebo over 2 years. (location is Utah)
· Bone marrow stem cells derived from the patient’s own bone marrow is used. (location is in California)
· Other stem cell trials in multiple locations.
· Lucentis injections are used for those at high-risk for developing wet macular. (CA and South Dakota)
· Brimonidine is an implant. (location is Texas)
· Oracea is a pill administered every day for 24 months at multiple sites.
I could list them all, but you get the idea. Visit the website if this is of interest.
2. www.enhancedvision.com/low-vision-info/dry-amd-phase-iii-clinical-trial.html
“Positive results from a Phase II advanced dry macular degeneration study has opened doors to a Phase III clinical trial involving more than 900 patients in 20 countries.” The study will run for two years. The study is a double-blind placebo study, so some patients will get the drug but not others. Candidates must be at least 50 years old and not have wet AMD in either eye. The phone number for Enhanced Vision is 888-811-3161
3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=dry+macular+degeneration&Search=Search
This site contains 44 studies for dry macular degeneration trials. Many of them are completed and some have been withdrawn. Others are active, but not recruiting. Most of the sites that are “recruiting” are for various drugs. Some of the drugs are by injection and some are with drops.
*****
Readers: If you’re currently participating in a clinical trail, would you like to share your experiences?